Deputy Assistant Secretary (Integration)

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information. This position, situated within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration (SAF/SQ), plays a critical national security role by driving the policy, planning, and performance metrics necessary to deliver integrated space capabilities across the Department of War.

Major duties

The role oversees all financial, policy, and legislative activities for Space Force acquisitions, acting as a critical bridge between senior leadership, Congress, and Department of War stakeholders to ensure the rapid and effective delivery of space capabilities. The incumbent leads enterprise-level oversight of Space Force investment funding, managing Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) actions to ensure resources continuously support program execution and the rapid fielding of capabilities. This comprehensive oversight includes directing cost, schedule, and performance reporting, as well as managing Special Access Program (SAP) governance across the Department of War. To maintain portfolio health, the executive develops, codifies, and enforces space acquisition policies while supervising the acquisition review forums necessary for the Space Service Acquisition Executive to make critical development and production decisions. Beyond program and financial oversight, the position is responsible for driving enterprise integration and stakeholder alignment. The incumbent builds and leads teams focused on policy development and SAP oversight, fostering deep collaborative relationships across the Space Force Staff, Air Staff, Field Commands, and other DoW organizations. A core duty is ensuring that diverse stakeholder views are accurately synthesized and communicated to executive decision-makers, while simultaneously cultivating the personnel skills and organizational structures required for long-term space acquisition success. Furthermore, the executive serves as a senior advisor and primary external representative, providing technical assistance to the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional testimonies and inquiries. The incumbent maintains active liaisons with lawmakers and represents leadership in negotiations with the Office of the Secretary of War (OSW), other military departments, industry partners, foreign governments, and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). By formulating strategic policies and leading SAP legislative engagement, the executive works to build consensus, resolve cross-organizational conflicts, and support crisis management efforts.

Qualifications

Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has education, training, and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Candidates must exemplify the corporate perspective, leadership vision, broad experience and character needed in the SES corps not only to satisfy the immediate vacancy, but future vacancies which will occur in a variety of organizations, functions and locations. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. In accordance with new OPM requirements to streamline Senior Executive Service (SES) hiring, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs), when applying. Instead, the initial application will be resume-only, capped at two pages. This change streamlines the application process and more closely aligns with private industry practices. Applicants identified for potential selection will have their ECQs assessed by undergoing a structured interview with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB). To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the education, Technical Qualifications (TQ), and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) related to this position within your resume (not to exceed 2 pages). Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position. CERTIFICATIONS: Level III APDP Program Management TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications. TQ1: Demonstrated expertise in leading enterprise-level PPBE execution, overseeing multi-billion-dollar RDT&E and procurement portfolios, and ensuring resources are aligned to support rapid capability delivery. Proven ability to direct cost, schedule, and performance reporting for senior leadership and to manage Special Access Program governance across diverse mission areas. Extensive experience developing, codifying, and implementing acquisition policies and procedures and managing enterprise acquisition review forums that enable timely decisions for development, production, and fielding. TQ2: Exceptional capability in leading enterprise integration, acquisition policy development, and stakeholder alignment across headquarters, field commands, and interagency partners. Demonstrated success in building and directing cross-functional teams responsible for policy development, PPBE execution, SAP oversight, and strategic integration. Recognized for fostering collaborative relationships, ensuring stakeholder perspectives are accurately represented in senior decision forums, and shaping organizational structures and workforce competencies that strengthen long-term space acquisition integration. TQ3: Superior qualifications in providing senior advisory support on acquisition programs, legislative matters, and enterprise strategy. Extensive experience preparing senior officials for Congressional testimony, developing responses to Congressional inquiries, and maintaining effective relationships with Members of Congress and staff. Proven ability to represent senior leadership in engagements with OSW, military departments, industry, GAO, foreign partners, and other stakeholders. Demonstrated skill in developing SAP legislative strategies, resolving complex policy issues, and supporting crisis planning and exercises outside normal duty hours. TQ4: Advanced proficiency in leading large, technically complex acquisition organizations and shaping enterprise strategy, workforce development, and organizational performance. Holds Level III APDP Program Management certification and possesses extensive experience managing major defense acquisition programs, including international and multi-agency efforts. Demonstrated ability to develop acquisition talent pipelines, strengthen organizational processes, and implement structures that support long-term integration across the space acquisition enterprise. Recognized for disciplined execution, strategic foresight, and continuous improvement in delivering mission-critical space capabilities. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): All new appointees to the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the five mandatory ECQs: ECQ 1. Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. ECQ 2. Driving Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ 3. Merit and Competence: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ 4. Leading People: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. ECQ 5. Achieving Results: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Please note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program, or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you must attach proof (e.g., SF-50 or Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

Education

A master's degree in appropriate professional or administrative discipline and an advanced degree in a related business or management field is highly desirable. Certification Required: Level III APDP Program Management